A-Z Encyclopedia of Fashion Trends, Proof That We’re All Out Of Original Ideas

After nearly a century of modern fashion, it’s safe to say that we’ve officially done it all. More than that, we’ve done it all over and over again. As a culture we’ve absorbed a million and one looks from the past and made them our own. Everything from Rockabilly to Punk, fashion movements of the recent past are all permanently trending all at once, and have now come to symbolize our identity and define the community we belong to. You can tell a lot about a person based on which trend they most identify with. Below you will see a digital record of a few of these endlessly recurring trends. Let us know if you think we left something important out!

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AMERICAN SAILOR STRIPES

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What better trend to start off with than the striped shirt which, as you’ll soon see, can be incorporated in every trend that is to follow. Not to be confused with French stripes, American stripes are equal parts nautical and grunge. These stripes aren’t pretty or polite. They will paint you a masterpiece, they will kick your ass and drink you under the table. American stripes are incredibly versatile, and are a more exciting alternative to the plain white Tshirt.

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THE BOHEMIAN

boho

So you want to be a Bohemian? Here’s everything you need to get started: First and foremost, you have to channel your gypsy cowboy mojo and invest in a sheer poncho, a good cowboy hat and something with a fringe on it. Next you get yourself a respectable collection of Navajo inspired jewelry, and cover your fingers with mysterious symbols (like this). Next, you gotta move to California. It’s not a necessary step by any means, but it’ll certainly help. Next you grown your hair really long and curl it. You can’t be Boho with short hair, it’s a contradiction in terms.

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BOYFRIEND JEANS

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This one is for those ladies who want to look effortlessly cool while at the same time communicating that you’re officially off the dating market. The whole idea is to look like you’re wearing a guy’s outfit (possibly because you’ve spent the night at his place and didn’t plan properly). The jeans are not meant to accentuate a woman’s curves, and actually look like they’re slightly too big. Here’s the formula: Oversized (possibly tattered and possibly belonging to your actual boyfriend’s) jeans + girly shoes + slouchy top = Done.

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CAMEL COAT AND SNEAKERS

camel_coat_sneakersThis trend is about looking sharp, polished and yet comfortable with two simple items: a camel colored coat, and a pair of sneakers. We can thank Celine’s Phoebe Philo, who was publicly photographed, and spotted wearing her Nike trainers (a la Steve Jobs, except paired with ridiculously high-end clothing) for years now. Last year, when she pushed a new kind of casual cool onto the masses with her Birkenstocks, the world went crazy for comfort.

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THE BABYDOLL

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This look is sweet as pie, cute as a button and frilly. Popularized by the likes of Lauren Conrad of The Hills (and more recently, the brains behind The Beauty Department), the look is characterized by soft pastel hues and feminine textures, baby-doll dresses and those frilly sky-high platform pumps. The look is feminine, sexy yet at the same time conservative.

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THE BODYCON

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Popular among the likes of Kim KardashianSnooki and J-Woww, this look is basically a sluttier relative of The Cupcake above. The same basic rules apply, just shorter, tighter with more lipstick, higher heels, a spray-tan and possibly some hair teasing. The bandage dress was introduced to the world by designer Hérve Peugnet (the man behind label Hervé Léger) in the mid-90s, and remains as popular as ever.

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EMO-PUNK

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A little bit emo, a little bit punk, some grunge undertones with a dash of goth and a sprinkle of fairytale princess. This trend is kind of confusing given that it mixes every subculture that ever was into one. Rock and roll t-shirts and slouchy beanies are a main-stay, as are thigh-highs and Jeffrey Campbell shoes with long beachy hair. Contrary to popular belief, these girls are just as likely to listen to punk as they are to Taylor Swift.

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FRENCH STRIPES

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Like it’s grungy cousin the American Stripe above, the French Stripe is a staple (and not just in France). But unlike its American counterpart, this version is oh lala classy and refined. Commonly paired with full skirts, red pumps and berets. Flaming red lipstick and Zooey Deschanel bangs are optional.

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FLOWER WREATHS

flower_wreaths

When Lana Del Rey showed up on the cover of her Video Games single wearing a flower wreath (and in countless subsequent photoshoots), this trend went from lukewarm to hot. Overall, the quality here is part magical fairy and part punk princess. 60s inspired makeup, long wavy hair and sheer drapey fabrics often in a woodland setting. We’ve written all about it before here.

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GRANDMA STYLE

grandma_style

This trend is about doing the impossible, and making fumpy cool. Look, we’re not here to pass judgment. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and even Nana’s closet holds some gems. This look is for ladies who embrace the whole Man Repeller philosophy, and don’t necessarily feel comfortable in sexy or stereotypically pretty looks. To achieve this look pair large nerdy glasses with a top-bun, an A-Line skirt and sensible cardigan with an old-lady blouse. Ta-da. Done.

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GRUNGE

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This look has been around since the late 80s and has been recycled, reworked and reintroduced into the mainstream a million times since. It’s nonchalant and cool-as-hell, with a healthy dose of attitude, so it’s no wonder this look has such staying power. To sample from the grunge tasting menu, pair Converse sneakers or Doc Martens boots with an oversized plaid flannel shirt (bonus if you tie this around your waist) and torn jeans, and don’t forget to forget to wash your hair for a week. That last bit is very important. Of course if this grosses you out, a generous helping of Moroccan Oil applied directly to the roots will do the trick.

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THE HIPSTER

hipster

Hipster is synonymous with vintage and a certain rough-around-the-edges cool that’s hard to quantify. It’s a little 90s, and a whole lot 80s, with a dash of the 70s. It is a well known fact that the reigning queen of Hipster style is Alexa Chung. Hipster girls everywhere covet her perfectly messy hair, and perfectly unruly vintage inspired clothing. She is a little bit of everything. Hipster girls aren’t always easy to distinguish because they sample from all of the styles mentioned here, but there’s the characteristic use of thrifted items, flower dresses, mom jeans, clashing patterns and 80s sweaters that distinguishes the hipster from every other style.

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HOBO

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Perhaps our all-time favorite fashion trend is embodied by the beautiful in a rough-around-the-edges way, Daria Werbowy. You can find these ladies on just about every street style blog on the planet. Their charming rattiness can sometimes cross over from your average lazy-day chic, to  troll under the bridge levels. Its the kind of look that has more to do with sleeping on a park bench than it does about looking fashionable. Its characterized by crumpled straight-outta-bed, over-sized clothing worn in long layers. Any naturally occurring stains or holes are part of the look.

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MINIMALIST TOMBOY

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The Minimalist Tomboy likes expensive, high-end, well-made clothes, but she also likes to be comfortable, and her look is the meeting point between these two. The look is perfectly embodied by Jayne Min, blogger behind Stop It Right Now. You won’t find this girl’s sweatpants at Gap. Her sweatpants gotta be Balmain and her Birkenstocks gotta be Celine.  This trend is all about looking like a tomboy, but shopping like a girl (that is, a girl with great taste and lots of money).

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THE JOURNALIST

journalist

For those of you who have never watched Annie Hall (shame on you!) click here. Diane Keaton’s character inspired generations of women to pick up menswear pieces and look every-bit the intellectual. This look is all about masculine inspired preppiness, and it has been going strong since the movie came out. As a character, she defines the now preppy stereotypes.

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LEOPARD PRINT

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Arguable, the leopard print dress stands in our collective consciousness as the Cougar’s preferred uniform. This look is all about communication, and it tells a novel length story in split seconds. It says, “I’m here and I’m ready to get it on with your younger brother.”  Important points to hit with this one are, cleavage, tight, curvaceous and accented with Sophia Loren worthy makeup.

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THE URBAN COWGIRL

urban-cowboy

You won’t find these cowgirls on a ranch! The Urban Cowgirl look has four basic parts: A dash of plaid, with a weathered pair of jeans, a slick pair of boots and, of course, a western inspired hat. Leather makes a frequent appearance. This look is a streamlined and simply cooler version of the classic western look.

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The Girly Jock

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One part sporty, and one part b-girl femme, this look is about turning up the glam factor on sports wear. Who could have imagined baggy sweats and jerseys could look this sexy right? These tough girls are as ready to party, as they are to throw a football, or choreograph a dance routine.

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QUIRKY COLOR BLOCKING

quirky

A favorite of ladies like blogger Susie Bubble, Tavi Gevinson, and Editor in Chief Anna Dello Russo. This look is all about getting your attention. It says, “I’m here, I’m unlike anyone you’ve ever met before, take my picture and blog about it.” It’s the one trend on this list that goes hand in hand with a healthy dose of confidence because without it, there wouldn’t be a way to pull off this very fashionable kind of crazy. To achieve this look focus on color blocking, pattern clashing, and channel the god of Jeremy Scott.

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ROCKABILLY

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No other look is as characterized by a single item as the rockabilly. What would it be without the red bandana? It is the single accessory from which the entire look is built. High waisted everything, red and white striped tops and polka dots dresses, leopard print, and of course, it goes without saying that everything you’re going to be wearing with this trend is vintage or vintage-inspired – courtesy of the 40s and 50s. And let’s not forget the importance of a solid splattering of tats (preferably with a retro feel).

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OVER THE SHOULDER COAT

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This is a relative newcomer compared to the other trends on this list. Last year’s FW2013 fashion weeks bloggers and fashion editors the world over were seen carelessly throwing their coats over their shoulders, leaving the sleeves to flop uselessly on their sides like penguin wings. This look is effortless, and meant to convey that you are a busy woman on the go. You don’t have the time to put on a coat for christ’s sake! You’ve got a press event to attend!

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THE SNEAKER DRESS

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Though tired nurses and school teachers had been doing it for years, pairing a feminine dress with chunky sneakers is now officially on the “fashion do’s” list. All the cool kids are doing it, so you might as well give your feet a break and jump on the band wagon.

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La Tuxedo Canadienne

denim_on_denim

Loosely related to The Urban Cowboy (see above), this look is commonly called a Canadian Tuxedo and you either love it or hate it. Traditionally denim was a durable utilitarian fabric worn by laborers and cowboys, perfect for herding cattle. Nowadays the only thing this look is herding is street-style snaps.

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WHITE FLUFFY COAT WITH SKINNIES

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This whole look has been going strong since the 60s, and it shows no signs of stopping. The trick to this trend is to make your white fluffy coat the biggest statement piece, keeping the rest of the look understated and rough-around-the-edges rock and roll. Tshirts, skinny jeans and bed hair are a must.

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THE FORMULA: And now let’s take a moment to reflect. What possible benefit is there to be gained from the above list of trends? Perhaps the thing that stands out the most to us is that in some ways fashion has become very formulaic. There are certain combinations of clothes that will almost certainly get you street-style photographed on your way to work.  Here are the top 5 things we’ve learned from compiling this list:

1. MAKE IT BIG: If you want to end up on a blog for your awesome street-style, you’ll have much better odds if you’re wearing something oversized and high-waisted. 2. GO NUTS: As a rule of thumb, anything that’s not traditionally flattering should be worn together (all at once). Clashing patterns, colors and textures will only make you look cool. 3. WEAR A HAT! 4. WEAR STRIPES: Include a nautical-inspired or a military-inspired piece with your outfit. Ta-da! You’ve got style! 5. LAYER: Wear layers, lots of them. A general rule to keep in mind is the more items of clothing you pile on at once, the more avant-garde fashionable you’ll look. Bloggers live for layers. 6. DON’T STRESS: At the end of the day, when everything is said and done, no matter how original we think we are, we all basically dress the same.

Natalia Borecka

Natalia is the editor in chief and publisher of Lone Wolf Magazine. She founded the publication in 2012.

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